Member Article

Ballymore secures a duo of independents for the Brentford project

Leading property developer, Ballymore, has signed two independent brands to join The Brentford Project, its new 1.2 million sq ft residential-led development in Brentford, West London. Established local bookstore, Hewson Books and bakery and restaurant operator, Rottura, both reflect Ballymore’s vision to line the new lanes connecting the high street and the water with small, boutique shops, emerging entrepreneurs and independent local businesses.

Hewson Books will be opening its third and largest store at The Brentford Project, joining its existing locations in Kew and East Sheen. Situated on Bradshaw Lane, the leading local retailer is launching in a 1,500 sq ft space that will feature a complete range of genres, with an emphasis on fiction and children’s books. Hewson Books is also introducing a dedicated games section for the first time, along with carefully selected stationery. In addition, the store will include as many books as possible for Brentford FC, following the team’s promotion to the FA’s Premier League. As with its Kew and East Sheen bookshops, customer service will be a key focus, with the store positioned as a welcoming community space.

Family-owned all-day dining concept, Rottura is to make its debut at The Brentford Project, opening in a 1,220 sq ft space in a prime location in the Brentford High Street element of the development. Co-founded by MasterChef:The Professionals quarter finalist Elena Frattura and her twin sister Emily, Rottura will be a modern European offer that will feature seasonal and authentic fresh Italian-themed produce such as tray baked pizza, small plates and special of the day dishes alongside fresh coffee and pastries. A total of 46 covers plus external seating will create an inviting ambiance for the scheme.

Adam Hewson, Co-Owner of Hewson Books, said: “We share Ballymore’s view that Brentford is an area with significant potential. More than that, The Brentford Project is a great new community and that makes it the perfect home for what will be our largest bookshop to date. It will continue doing what independent bookshops do: having carefully selected stock, knowledgeable staff and the ability to create a welcoming community space.”

Richard Pearce, Senior Development Manager at Ballymore, added: “We take great care to select the relevant businesses for each of our developments. In Brentford, it is important to get the right blend of smaller shops and independent retailers alongside some of the bigger national brand names. Hewson Books and the Rottura concept reflect this ambition, with both helping to create a genuine neighbourhood feeling at The Brentford Project.”

These latest additions are both set to open later this year and will add to the current retail and F&B line-up, which includes Sam’s Waterside and Sam’s Larder, the local restaurant and deli concepts, Morrisons, Specsavers, and men’s barbers, Cutbox. Pret A Manger and GAIL’s, the artisan bakery, are also opening at The Brentford Project.

The Brentford Project is a new riverside community, transforming 11.8 acres along the southern half of the town’s High Street and reconnecting it with the waterfront via a series of pedestrianised yards and lanes. Alongside 876 new homes, the development is bringing an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, shopping and leisure amenities, and over five acres of landscaping and public realm. Two revitalised docks are creating new riverside leisure hubs, attracting visitors from West London and beyond.

Shackleton Property acted on behalf of Ballymore. Hewson Books and Rottura dealt direct.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Thornton .